Eco domes to attract visitors to Alice Springs

Aiming to highlight best-practice solutions in sustainable living, two new specialised ‘eco domes’ are to be built at the Earth Sanctuary in Alice Springs next year.

Backed by $40,000 from the the Northern Territory Government, the development aims to tap into demand from the growing educational tourism niche market while showcasing solutions in sustainable living.

Announcing the funding, Northern Territory Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan stated “Earth Sanctuary is a 2014 Brolga Award Winner and a leader in its field, particularly in its programs with school groups and this funding will only help it grow even further.”

Minister Conlan added that the Territory Government was committed to growing the range of tourism products on offer to visitors and these upgrades will enhance the variety of experiences on offer in Central Australia.

The project will see two geodesic eco dome education facilities constructed at the site as well as a greenhouse dome for horticulture. A new interpretative nature walk will also be built.

As part of this new project, the Sanctuary also plans to engage a consultancy to implement its programs into the National Curriculum.

Commenting on this, Minister Conlan added “this will allow it to capitalise on the education market, which is a growing tourism market, and position the Earth Sanctuary and Alice Springs as a must-visit destination for touring school groups and other education organisations.”

Earth Sanctuary is a family-run business situated just south of Alice Springs on 40 hectares of desert wilderness overlooking the East MacDonnell Ranges. A carbon neutral venue, it offers day and evening tours focused on ecology, astronomy and culture, including its signature ‘Spirit of the Outback’ dinner and show. It also has tour-based overnight camping facilities.

Earth Sanctuary Director Tom Falzon said that the business had built a reputation for quality in sustainable education tours and programs.

Falzon stated “this funding will only improve what is already a successful business. As sustainable tourism continues to emerge as key feature of today’s tourism market, Earth Sanctuary’s edge as a ‘green’ venue is a point of difference that assists significantly in the business’ marketing plan.”

The Earth Sanctuary project is part of $ 1.3 million in tourism infrastructure and development funding being allocated by the Northern Territory and Federal Governments.

The new facilities are expected to be completed in April 2015.

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